2026 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Master’s Degree Schools
[Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor](/majors/education/teaching-french-foreign-language/english-as-a-second-or-foreign-language-esl-language-instructor/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 451 schools to find the best return on investment for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools
Cuny City College earned the #1 spot for value among teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $13,389. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $77,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.
Cuny Hunter College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor, landing the #2 spot this year. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $77,537. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 54%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Queens College earned it the #3 place for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $12,157. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Cuny Queens College earn a median of $76,099 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.
California State University Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor, landing the #4 spot this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $48,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.
Cuny Lehman College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,213 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $78,802. Set against $13,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.
California State University San Bernardino ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $15,149. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $42,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas earned the #7 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $50,039. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Western Governors University landed the #8 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Set in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Western Governors University generally make around $66,158. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Central Florida landed the #9 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $21,620. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $51,790. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
Rhode Island College landed the #10 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Located in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,300, while out-of-state students pay about $27,299. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $23,394. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Rhode Island College generally make around $67,621. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Holy Family University came in at #11 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $26,562 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Holy Family University earn a median of $67,131 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants.
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Set in the city of Honolulu, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Hawaii At Manoa earn a median of $48,181 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.
Northeastern Illinois University came in at #13 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,383, compared with $22,726 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $17,600. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $49,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.
University Of Southern Maine landed the #14 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Portland. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $23,593 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Southern Maine earn a median of $47,003 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,593 median debt. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.
Portland State University earned the #15 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $47,717. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Dominican University came in at #16 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $26,236. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Dominican University generally make around $45,546. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants.
Mercy College placed #17 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Set in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,880. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $28,304. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Mercy College earn a median of $67,880 early in their careers. Set against $28,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Boricua College earned the #18 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the city of New York, Boricua College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $13,025 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $65,755. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Saint Cloud State University came in at #19 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $62,332. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Delaware came in at #20 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $24,861 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $54,155. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,300. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $24,962. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Trevecca Nazarene University earn a median of $51,073 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #22 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $43,255. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Suny College At Brockport came in at #23 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the town of Brockport, Suny College At Brockport is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $24,757. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $39,724. That is a strong return on a $24,757 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Suny At Fredonia earned the #24 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the town of Fredonia, Suny At Fredonia is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,831, with out-of-state students paying around $19,771. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $25,806. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Suny At Fredonia generally make around $34,764. That is a strong return on a $25,806 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Sam Houston State University landed the #25 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Sam Houston State University is a very large public school located in the town of Huntsville. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $53,444. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year:
Other Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Degree Levels
Explore the best-value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools at other degree levels:
View All Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Rankings >
Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 451 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 63 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
